Texans' area of need warrants special attention

Updated 12:35 am, Thursday, October 25, 2012

Kickoff coverage has been a sore spot for the Texans, including in an early October game against the Jets.

Kickoff coverage has been a sore spot for the Texans, including in an early October game against the Jets.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Texans' area of need warrants special attention

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HOUSTON — The Texans have a lot to be excited about. They have an AFC-best 6-1 record. They average 30.8 points a game and rank third in defense.

With an apology to punter Donnie Jones and kicker Shayne Graham, however, there is nothing special about the Texans' special teams.

Kickoff returns and coverage need a major overhaul by the time the team returns from its bye week to play the Buffalo Bills at Reliant Stadium.

While his players try to relax, coach Gary Kubiak and special teams coordinator Joe Marciano have been trying to improve their most glaring weakness.

“That's (field position) the one thing that's bothering us right now, and it's something we've got to improve on,” Kubiak said. “Probably the two most disappointing things have been covering kicks and kickoff returns.”

The Texans are tied for last with Denver, averaging only 18.4 yards on kickoff returns. They're 22nd in kickoff coverage, surrendering 26.4 yards.

The Texans' average drive starts on the 18½-yard line — worst in the NFL. They've started eight drives inside their 20. Opponents' average drive start is the 26-yard line, tying them for 30th with Tennessee.

Houston began the season with Trindon Holliday returning kickoffs and punts. He averaged 19.4 yards on kickoff returns and 9.2 on punt returns before he was waived. Rookie receiver Keshawn Martin hasn't fared much differently, averaging 20.5 on kickoff returns and 5.6 on punt returns.

Kubiak says “backup players should be your top special-teams players,” but if he is forced to, he'll replace some of them with starters.

“There come times when you have to say, ‘Hey, (receiver) Kevin Walter has got to play a special team,' or (outside linebacker) Brooks Reed has to,” he said. “You hope it doesn't come up too often, because you're trying to stay healthy, but as we get deeper and deeper into the season, it's something you have to think about.”